Apple removes Fortnite from App Store update

Apple has removed Fortnite from its App Store because developer Epic violated software store guidelines. Epic Games added its own payment system to Fortnite on iOS earlier on Thursday.

Apple explains the removal of Fortnite in a statement to The Verge, and the company reports that Epic has added a feature to its app that Apple has not reviewed and approved. “They did this purposefully to violate the App Store’s guidelines for in-app payments,” Apple said.

According to the company, Epic wanted to push for a special arrangement for itself, but the App Store guidelines ensure a level playing field for developers. The company also emphasizes that Epic has agreed to the terms and benefits from the App Store ecosystem. Apple also says it wants to work with Epic to bring Fortnite back to the app store.

Epic added its own payment system to Fortnite on iOS on Thursday to bypass the mandatory remittance to Apple for in-app payments. Users could buy 1000 V-Bucks directly from Epic for $ 7.99, saving compared to buying through the App Store, where it would cost $ 9.99. Rule 3.1.1 of the App Store Terms, however, states that apps with in-app purchases must use Apple’s technology and not implement their own mechanism.

MacRumors points out that Epic released a clip on Twitter under the name Nineteen Eighty-Fortnite announces. The video is a clear reference to an Apple ad video from the 1980s by director Ridley Scott. That hinted at 1984, with the suggestion of IBM as a big brother. In the Nineteen Eighty-Fortnite video, Epic portrays himself as a rebel who opposes the ‘App Store monopoly’. Epic has long been critical of Apple’s policies regarding the App Store and mandatory remittances for in-app purchases.

Update, 22.20: Epic has Apple sued due to Apple’s monopoly on the App Store and the restrictions of the third party policy.